Yoga - The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj
meaning to bind, join, attach and yoke, to direct and concentrate one's attention on, to use and apply. Yoga is one of the
six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy. It was collated, co-ordinated and systematised by Patanjali in his classical work,
the Yoga Sutras, which consists of 185 terse aphorisms. In Indian thought, everything is permeated by the Supreme Universal
Spirit (Paramatma or God) of which the individual human spirit (jivatma) is a part. The system of yoga is so called because
it teaches the means by which the jivatma can be united to, or be in communion with the Paramatma, and so secure liberation
(moksa).
Most yoga classes held in Western countries come under the heading of Hatha Yoga. There are many different schools
and forms of yoga such as Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Kripula Yoga, Bikram Yoga and Bihar Yoga. Ultimately, all the different
styles of yoga lead to the same path of "enlightenment" (samadhi).
No one can say that any one school of yoga is better than another - different methods suit different people,
and it is important to find the right school that suits your needs.
Very little equipment is needed to practice yoga. All you really need as a minimum is a non-slip surface or
mat and a teacher who has an in-depth knowledge of the philosophy of yoga, who is open minded, positive, and can inspire you
to do the work you need. Yoga is a discipline which when practiced well can bring calmness and raise self-esteem for the follower.
Different types of Hatha Yoga
Here is a brief description of some of the most common varieties available in the West. Please note that the
names of these styles or schools of yoga are often actual Sanskrit words. The definitions provided here only refer to the
popularized use of the terms in the West and not to the actual meanings of these Sanskrit words or to their usage in classic
Indian yogic traditions. No one can say that any one school of yoga is better than another - different methods suit different
people, and it is important to find the right school that suits your needs.
Ananda Yoga
Classes focus on gentle postures intending to move energy up to the brain and prepare the body for meditation.
Classes also focus on proper body alignment and controlled breathing.
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga yoga is the same as the current practice called "Power Yoga" according to most practitioners. Ashtanga
is a popular style that is fast in moving from one pose to another. The focus is on breathing. It can be an intense workout,
burn calories, and rehabilitate injured athletes. All schools of yoga use specific yoga postures Ashtanga yoga incorporates
the use of Ujjayi Pranayama (the victorious breath) which is a quick warm up for the body; and Bandhas (internal locks), help
to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles which help to avoid injury.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga is a demanding, 26 pose (asana) series. Bikram Choudhury, known as the "yoga teacher to the stars,"
developed this yoga practice, which focuses on the 26 poses always being repeated in the same order. Bikram Yoga studios are
heated to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit temperature to simulate the climate in India. This allows you to work deep into your muscles, tendons
and ligaments. The heat also make makes muscles flexible.
Integral Yoga
This traditional type of yoga combines postures, breathing exercises, selfless service, meditation, chanting,
prayer, and self-inquiry.
ISHTA
Developed by South African teacher Mani Finger and popularized in the States by his son Alan, ISHTA (Integral
Science of Hatha and Tantric Arts) focuses on opening energy channels throughout the body with postures, visualizations and
meditation.
Iyengar Yoga
Poses are held for a longer amount of time. This type of yoga is renowned for its attention to body alignment.
Props such as straps, blankets, and wooden blocks are commonly used. Iyengar Yoga creates body awareness, strength and flexibility.
Iyengar Yoga places more emphasis on very specific movements, and this is more suitable for all ages and abilities because
in lyengar yoga the use of props and supports are encouraged to enable the student to practise safely. This is very important
where the client may be recovering from an injury or the client is new to yoga and does not want to limit what they can do
at an early stage.
Kali Ray TriYoga
Kali Ray developed a series of flowing, dance like movements in 1980. This yoga incorporates breathing exercises
and meditation. Kali Ray runs the TriYoga Center
in Santa Cruz, California.
Kripalu Yoga
This gentle, introspective practice urges practitioners to hold poses to explore and release emotional and spiritual
blockages. Goal-oriented striving is discouraged and precise alignment is not as important as in some other traditions.
Kundalini
This practice concentrates on awakening the energy at the base of the spine and drawing it upward. In addition
to postures, a typical class will also include chanting, meditation, and breathing exercises. "Breath of fire" is fundamental
to Kundalini classes. Kundalini has been helpful to recovering addicts.
Power Yoga
Same as Ashtanga, but with an Americanised label. This type of yoga became popular after Beryl Bender Birch
published her book Power Yoga in 1995.
Sivananda Yoga
Like Integral Yoga, this traditional type of yoga combines postures, breathing, dietary restrictions, chanting,
scriptural study, and meditation.
Svaroopa Yoga
New students find this a very approachable style, frequently beginning in chair poses that are comfortable.
This yoga promotes healing and transformation.
Viniyoga
This is a gentle, healing practice that is uniquely tailored to each person's body type and special needs as
they grow and change.
Yoga improves your breathing, your suppleness and your posture. It will also in most cases lower the stress that we
feel from day to day life. It is reasonable to therefore assume that these benefits will be an improvement in your health.
